If you love Alfred Hitchcock movies, then you will find the interview with David Sterritt, new on the Simply Charly Interviews site, absolutely fascinating. David Sterritt is currently Chair of the National Society of Film Critics, as well as an Adjunct Professor at the School of the Arts at Columbia University. He has written many books and penned many film reviews and his knowledge of Hitchcock and what drove him to do the things that he does is well-researched and thought-provoking.

During the interview, David Sterritt points out many interesting facts about Hitchcock and his movies. In response to the question of why Hitchcock always appeared in his own movies, David had this to say:

“Hitchcock was a first-rate promoter and marketer, and one of his best tools was to make himself a celebrity by showing up in all sorts of ways…”

David also intimates why Hitchcock movies were different from others of the same genre:

“He took crime and violence out of the shadows and into the light of day, showing that mayhem doesn’t break out only in dark alleys and dens of iniquity…”

In the interview, David also lists contemporary directors who have been influenced by Hitchcock’s vision and techniques:

“The world champion of Hitchcock imitators is Brian De Palma…David Lynch was obviously influenced by Hitch in pictures like Mulholland Dr. and Blue Velvet, and Gus Van Sant paid Psycho a compliment by directing a faithful (and pointless) shot-for-shot remake.”

Click on the link above to read more of this insightful interview with David Sterritt…you will definitely feel the love and admiration he has for Hitchcock films, and may even be prompted to go out and rent one to see what the chatter is all about!

Happy learning!

Ahh, Hitchcock! He of the great suspense and thriller films, Alfred Hitchcock was born in London in 1899. Hitchcock was a great storyteller in his youth, and aspects of his mother were borrowed for the movie Psycho. Surprising as it may seem, Alfred Hitchcock only won one Academy Award for his films; his film, Rebecca won Best Picture in 1940.

Hitchcock was the second son and youngest of three children born to William Hitchcock, a greengrocer and poulterer, and Emma Jane Hitchcock. His father was stern, and it is widely known that Hitchcock’s father once sent him to the local police station with a note asking them to lock him up for 10 minutes as punishment for bad behavior. The idea of being wrongly accused or harshly treated is reflected in his movies. His mother would often make him address her while standing at the foot of her bed, especially if he behaved badly. He often had to stand there for hours. This would be recalled by the character Norman Bates in Psycho.

As a young man, Hitchcock worked in advertising before entering the film world. Hitchcock directed his first film in 1925 (The Pleasure Garden). It was a highly unsuccessful film and threatened to derail his career. However, his next film, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog was his entry in the thriller genre and was a major success.

The list of Hitchcock’s films is a list of true classics. Read more about Hitchcock’s life, his films, and his achievements on the Simply Hitchcock Web site. Check out the Free Downloads for some awesome stuff. Don’t forget to take the Simply Hitchcock Poll!

Happy learning!

Charlie Chaplin was a very interesting person! Born in 1889, his mum and dad were both entertainers; dad, however, was an alcoholic and mum suffered from a mental illness. He began his career early, touring in a musical at age eight and performing in a play at age 11. By the time he was 17, Chaplin was performing regularly with the Fred Karno’s English vaudeville troupe, which led to his relocation to America in 1910.

In 1913, Chaplin signed a contract with Mack Sennett at Keystone. In 1914 alone, he made 35 movies (that’s about a movie every 2 weeks)! Keystone is where Chaplin created his signature character, “The Little Tramp.” The baggy clothes, the mustache, and the hat were all designed to disguise his age — he was only 24 at the time.

Play the video to view “Easy Street,” one of Chaplin’s best films:

Did you know that Chaplin co-found the United Artists studios? Movies were becoming longer and he and other filmmakers banded together to form a studio that allowed for more control over their work. Chaplin also had brushes with the United States Government, having his Visa revoked by President Hoover after being accused of sympathizing with communists and voicing un-American sentiments.

Chaplin was also quite popular with the ladies. His marriage to Oona O’Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O’Neill, seemed to be the good relationship. They had eight children together; unfortunately, Oona was traumatized by Chaplin’s death and the grief led her into alcoholism. She died from pancreatic cancer in 1991.

There is so much more information about Mr. Chaplin and his history in silent films! On the Simply Chaplin page, click About Chaplin to get his full biography. And don’t forget to take the Simply Chaplin poll to test your knowledge!

Happy learning!